Whether you’re a 49ers fan hoping your team wins its sixth Lombardi Trophy or a Ravens fan eager for big brother John Harbaugh to put the beat-down on younger brother Jim, remember that a considerate Super Bowl party host not only puts out the baby-backs and beer, but also recruits a championship team of designated drivers before the opening kickoff.
Just because the big game is played for all the marbles, doesn’t mean your fun has to be served on the rocks… Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most hazardous driving days of the year, especially when impaired motorists drive home after the parties.
About 30 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. in 2011 involved drunk drivers, according to the most recent figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“Those throwing a party where alcohol is served have both a legal and moral responsibility to make sure that their guests are capable of driving safely. You don’t want to allow anyone who has been drinking to drive a vehicle while impaired. Not only do your guests risk injury or death to themselves or others, but you may be held financially responsible.
Social host liability, the legal term for the criminal and civil responsibility of a person who furnishes liquor to a guest, can have a serious impact on party throwers. Social host liability laws vary widely from state to state, however, in all, 37 states have enacted laws or have case law that permit social hosts who serve liquor to people who subsequently are involved in crashes to be held liable for any injury or death.
Enjoy the game!!!
Information provided by I.I.I.
